Integrated control and power unit for use aboard a bicycle

ABSTRACT

A housing ( 2 ) for an electronic control unit for use aboard a bicycle and a battery container ( 3 ) for powering electrical devices fitted aboard, are provided with quick coupling means ( 6, 10 ), that, when coupled, also provide the electrical connection between the batteries and the control unit.

DESCRIPTION

[0001] This invention relates to an integrated control and power unit for use aboard a bicycle, comprising a housing for an electronic control unit and a holder container for one or more batteries for powering electrical devices fitted aboard the bicycle.

[0002] A device of this kind has been disclosed in Italian Patent Application no. TO2000A000430 filed by the Applicant on May 9, 2000 and still secret at the filing date of this application.

[0003] The object of this invention is to improve the previously proposed unit, making it increasingly simpler and more functional.

[0004] In order to attain this object, this invention relates to a unit, having the above specified features, and additionally characterised in that said housing of the control unit and said battery holder container are provided with quick coupling means, that, when coupled, also provide the electrical connection between the batteries and the control unit.

[0005] Due to these features, battery holder container can be assembled and electrically connected in an extremely simple and rapid manner. This advantage is very important, especially when needing to fully replace the battery holder container during a cycling competition. In general, however, as specified below, the container will not be replaced, but simply temporarily removed for recharging.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, said quick coupling means comprise a circular seat, formed in the body of the housing of the control unit, and a cylindrical end portion of the battery holder, which can be received within this seat. Obviously, however, other coupling means can be made in an equivalent fashion by reversing the male and female functions on the battery holder container and on the housing of the control unit.

[0007] Always in the case of said preferred embodiment, the external surface of the cylindrical end portion of the battery holder has one or more electrical contacts leading to the batteries and suitable for engaging corresponding electrical contacts in said seat, once said coupled condition is obtained.

[0008] According to an additional preferred characteristic, each of said electrical contacts on the external surface of the cylindrical end portion of the battery holder container consists of a ring of conductive material surrounding said cylindrical portion. At the same time, each of said contacts arranged in the seat for the battery holder container includes a pin, which is elastically biassed towards a position radially projecting within this seat.

[0009] Due to these characteristics, both the mechanical and electrical coupling is obtained for any angular position of the cylindrical portion of the battery holder container within its seat.

[0010] According to an additional preferred characteristic, said ring forming each electrical contact on the battery holder container has an external surface defining a round recess for receiving and axially locking the respect contact pin in the seat receiving the battery holder container. In this way, said contact pins also perform a mechanical retaining function.

[0011] Preferably, the battery, or the batteries, are rechargeable. The container in which they are housed is hermetically closed and the batteries can be recharged by placing this container in a specifically dedicated seat in a battery charger, which is totally similar to the seat in the housing of the electronic control unit. In this way, the batteries do not need to be removed from the container for recharging.

[0012] According to yet another characteristic, the battery holder container comprises a entirely cylindrical elongated body closed on one end and equipped with a closing cap on the opposite end. A coil spring is arranged between the batteries and the closed end of the container to dampen all vibrations (and the consequent noise) of the batteries inside the container.

[0013] Any number of electrical contacts can be provided, because accessory terminals can be arranged, in addition to the two power terminals.

[0014] This invention will be better explained by the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying figures as non-limiting example, wherein:

[0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the unit according to this invention illustrated in a mounted condition,

[0016]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the unit shown in FIG. 1 illustrated in a disconnected condition,

[0017]FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of the unit according to this invention,

[0018]FIG. 4 is a parallel perspective view of the frame of the bicycle having a unit according to the invention mounted thereon,

[0019]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a bicycle frame with a second embodiment of the unit according to the invention,

[0020]FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view, at an enlarged scale, of a detail of FIG. 5,

[0021]FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of the device according to the invention as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, in its mounted condition, and

[0022]FIGS. 8, 9 show variants of FIGS. 6, 7 with reference to further version of device according to the invention.

[0023] With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, numeral 1 generally indicates an integrated control and power unit usable aboard a bicycle, comprising a housing 2 containing one or more electronic circuit boards forming the electronic control unit, i.e. the bicycle on-board computer, as well as a cylindrical container 3 holding one or more batteries for powering the various electrical devices aboard the bicycle. The battery holder container 3 comprises a lower end portion 10, which is received in an annular cylindrical seat 6, forming an integral part of the body of the housing 2. In the example shown, the annular seat 6 projects from a riser 7 extending vertically upwards from one end of the box 2, which is substantially flat and rectangular. Naturally, the specific conformation of the housing 2 and the container 3 illustrated in the drawings as non-limiting examples can be widely varied. The riser 7 of the housing 2 presents a hole 8 for engaging a screw for fastening the housing to the bicycle frame, for example, according to the technique illustrated in the aforesaid Italian Patent Application by the Applicant, i.e. at the fastening holes formed in a tube of the bicycle frame, and used for mounting the bottle-cage.

[0024] With reference to FIG. 3, the battery holder container 3 presents an elongated tubular cylindrical conformation, which is closed on one end by a partition 3 a and on the opposite end by a cap 3 b, which is clipped on and welded to the body of the container 3, such elements being both made of plastic insulating material. The container 3 has two round grooves 3 c on the upper end, which receive two circular cross-section rubber rings 9, suitable for grasping easily the upper end of the container 3. On the lower end, the container 3 presents a cylindrical portion 10, which is to be received inside the seat 6. A circular cross-section rubber ring 11, a metallic conductive material ring 12, a plastic material shim ring 13, an additional metallic conductive material ring 14, an additional rubber ring 15 and finally a cap 3 b are arranged in sequence on the cylindrical portion 11. The two metallic rings 12, 14 are reciprocally isolated and form two electrical contacts which are respectively connected to the two terminals of the battery, or of the batteries, arranged inside the container 3. This connection is attained by means the respective conductor wires, or metallic reeds, which are arranged inside the container 3, and which project from the container through a slot 26, arranged in the cylindrical portion 10 so as to be connected to the two rings 12, 14. As mentioned, however, any number of electrical contacts can be arranged. The two rubber rings 11, 15 ensure tightness, preventing infiltration of water in the area of the electrical contacts 3. As mentioned, the cap 3 b is permanently welded to the container 3 after inserting the batteries. The latter can be made according to any known technique and are rechargeable.

[0025] As appears in FIG. 3, an axial recess 6 a is provided on the inner surface of the annular seat 6 in which a guiding box 16 for two ball headed metallic pins 17, 18 which are biassed by coil springs 19 towards a radially projecting position inside the annular housing 6. The pins 17, 18 form two electrical contacts suitable for establishing contact with the two rings 12, 14 of the battery holder container when the latter is inserted in the seat 6. The springs 19 are arranged between a morable plate 20 with two pins 17, is and a counter plate 21 which is secured to an end of the housing 16. when the battery holder container 3 is received in the seat 6, the two rings 12, 14 establish contact with the two contact pins 17, 18 (also see FIG. 2). Preferably, the external surface of the ring 12 and the ring 14 is formed to present a circumferential groove with a rounded cross-section, to provide an axial retention with respect to the contact pins 17 or 18. In this way, the two pins 17, 18 ensure both the mechanical connection and the electrical connection. The surface thus formed of each ring 12, 14 also produces a cam effect with determines the retraction of the pins 17, 18 when the battery holder container 3 is extracted.

[0026] As mentioned, the battery, or the batteries, arranged in the container 3 rest against the end 3 a of the container with a coil spring 22 arranged in-between, preventing movements inside the container.

[0027]FIG. 3 illustrates an additional supporting element of the container 3 on the bicycle frame, comprising a plate 23 with a hole 24 for engagement of a fastening screw to be screwed into a hole of a tube of the bicycle frame and a semicircular grip 25 for engaging the container 3 laterally. The screws engaging the holes 24 and 8 can engage, for example, the two holes usually provided in a tube of the bicycle frame for attaching the bottle-cage of the bicycle, according to the concept disclosed in the aforesaid previous Italian Patent Application by the Applicant (see FIG. 4). Thus, the same screws are used to attach both the bottle-cage and the unit of the invention.

[0028] In FIG. 5, numeral 1 generally designates a bicycle frame, including a front steering tube 2 which is connected to a rear saddle tube 3 through a horizontal tube 4 and a diagonal tube 5. Tubes 3, 5 converge into a housing 6 for the bicycle crank axle, having a substantially cylindrical shape with a horizontal axis (with reference to the condition of use of the bicycle).

[0029] Reference numeral 7 generally designates an electronic control unit according to the invention, including a rigid housing 8 for housing one or more electronic circuit boards for controlling one or more electronic components mounted on board the bicycle.

[0030] With reference to FIG. 6, the housing 8 has a substantially flattened shape, with a lower surface 9 which is substantially planar and an upper surface 10 including a cradle-like portion 11 of curved shape which is for engaging the lower surface of the housing 6 while keeping the dimension of the housing 8 along the vertical direction at the minimum. The housing 8 further comprises a tubular body 12 acting as a seat for a quick mechanical and electrical coupling with the lower end of a cylindrical holder container 13 containing the batteries. The holder 13 is sealed and has two outer metal rings 14 at its lower end, which are insulated from each other, acting as contacts and adapted to co-operate with the two contact pins (not shown in FIG. 6) provided within the seat 12 and biassed radially inwardly by spring means, in a manner similar to what has been disclosed with reference to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0031] With reference to FIGS. 6, 7 the housing 8 is constituted by a body including an upper half-shell 8 a and a lower half-shell 8 b both made of plastic material and connected to each other (e.g. by welling). These half-shells together define a through hole 15 having a cylindrical surface 17, for engagement of a screw 18 serving for fastening the housing 8 to the housing 6 of the crank axle. The screw 18 is engaged within a threaded hole 18 a of the housing of the crank axle which is conventionally provided, unconventional bicycles, for fastening a guiding plate which guides the cables controlling the front and rear derailleurs, where the bicycle is provided with a derailleur manual control device. FIG. 7 shows the housing 6 in cross-section. Inside housing 6 there is arranged a crank axle 19 which is rotatably abutment through rolling bearings 10, 21, 22 by two threaded bush 23, 24 which are screwed within the housing 6. The bush 23 has an enlarged head 25 which comes into abutment against one end surface of the housing 6, whereas the bush 24 is received completely inside the housing 6 and presses a tubular spacer 26 against the assembly of bearings 21, 22 which is supported by the other bush 23. According to a technique known per se, sealing rings 27, 28 are further associated to bearings 20, 21 and 22.

[0032]FIGS. 8, 9 refer to a further version of the device according to the invention, in which fastening of the housing 8 to housing 6 is obtained in a different manner. In this case, the housing 8 incorporates two annular ears 29 which are parallel and spaced apart from each other and project upwardly from the upper surface 10 of the housing 8 and are arranged in planes perpendicular to the axis of the crank axle, with reference to the mounted condition on the bicycle. The two ears 29 are secured against the respective ends of the housing 6 of the crank axle by means of the two above-mentioned threaded bushes 23, 24 (FIG. 9). In this case, however, as shown in FIG. 9, both threaded bushes 23, 24 have an enlarged head 25 and the two ears 29 are each mounted around the respective bush 23 and 24, between the respective enlarged head 25 and the respective end surface of the housing 6.

[0033] As clearly apparent from the foregoing description, the control unit according to the invention is adapted to be secured to bicycle frame at a position which is not of hindrance to the normal use of a bicycle while enabling an easy access for carrying out maintenance or replacement operations, or for removing and mounting the battery holder before each recharging operation.

[0034] Naturally, numerous changes can be implemented to the construction and embodiment of the invention described herein without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the following claims. 

1. Integrated control and power unit for use aboard a bicycle, comprising a housing (2) for an electronic control unit and a holder container (3) for one or more batteries for powering electrical devices fitted aboard the bicycle, characterised in that said housing of the control unit (2) and said battery holder container (3) are provided with quick coupling means that, when coupled, also provide the electrical connection between the batteries and the control unit.
 2. Unit according to claim 1, characterised in that said quick coupling means comprise a circular seat (6) formed in the body of the housing of the control unit (2) and a cylindrical end portion (10) of the battery holder, which can be received within this seat (6).
 3. Unit according to claim 2, characterised in that said cylindrical end portion (10) of the battery holder container (3) has one or more electrical contacts (12, 14) on the external surface leading to the batteries and suitable for engaging corresponding contacts (17, 18) in said seat (6), once said coupled condition is obtained.
 4. Unit according to claim 3, characterised in that said electrical contacts (12, 14) on the external surface of the cylindrical end portion (10) of the battery holder container (3) consists of a ring (12, 14) of conductive material surrounding said cylindrical portion (10).
 5. Unit according to claim 4, characterised in that each of said contacts (17, 18) arranged in the seat (6) for the battery holder container (3) includes a pin which is elastically biassed towards a position radially projecting within this seat (6).
 6. Unit according to claim 5, characterised in that said ring (12, 14) has an external surface defining a circumferential groove for receiving and axially retaining the respective contact pin (17, 18) in the seat (6) receiving the battery holder container (3).
 7. Unit according to claim 1, characterised in that said the battery holder container comprises an elongated tubular body closed on one end and equipped with a closing cap on the opposite end.
 8. Unit according to claim 7, characterised in that the battery, or the batteries, arranged in the container (3) rest against a closed end of the container with a coil spring (22) arranged in-between preventing movements inside the container.
 9. Unit according to any of the claims above, characterised in that the batteries are rechargeable.
 10. Unit according to any of the claims above, characterised in that it is provided with a battery charger equipped with coupling means which are similar to those attaining the coupling between the battery holder container and the electronic control unit box (2).
 11. Unit according to claim 2, characterised in that said housing (6) consists of an annular cylindrical appendage projecting from a riser (7), projecting in turn upwards from an end of the electronic control unit housing (2), said housing (2) having a generally flattened rectangular shape.
 12. Unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that its housing (8) is shaped and arranged 80 that it can be fixed to the housing (6) of the bicycle crank axle.
 13. Unit according to claim 12, characterised in that said housing (8) of the control unit has an upper surface (10) including a cradle-like portion (11) adapted to engage the lower surface of the housing (6) of the crank axle.
 14. Unit according to claim 13, characterised in that the housing (8) has at least one hole (15) for engagement of a screw for fixing the housing (8) of the unit to the housing (6) of the crank axle.
 15. Unit according to claim 14, characterised in that the housing (8) of the unit has a substantially flattened shape, with a planar lower surface (9) and an upper surface (10) including the above-mentioned cradle-like portion (11), said upper and lower surfaces (9, 10) having facing holes (15) for engagement of a screw (18) for fixing the housing (8) of the unit to the housing (6) of the crank axle.
 16. Unit according to claim 15, characterised in that the housing (8) of the unit is constituted by a body of plastic material comprising an upper half-shell (8 a) and a lower half-shell (8 b) fixed to each other.
 17. Unit according to claim 13, characterised in that the unit housing (8) includes at least one annular ear (29) which can be secured at one end of the housing (6) of the crank axle.
 18. Unit according to claim 17, characterised in that said at least one annular ear (29) is secured against a respective end of the housing (6) of the crank axle by the enlarged head (25) of the threaded bush (23, 24) which is screwed within the respective end of the housing (6) of the crank axle and rotatably supports the crank axle (19), said at least one annular ear (29) being mounted on the respective threaded bush (23, 24), between said enlarged head (25) of the bush and the respective end of the housing (6) of the crank axle.
 19. Unit according to claim 18, characterising in that the housing (8) of the unit have substantially plattened shape, with a planar lower surface (9) and an upper surface (10) including the said cradle-like portion (11).
 20. Bicycle, characterised in that it comprises an electronic control unit according to any of the previous claims.
 21. Bicycle according to claim 20, characterised in that the housing of the electronic control unit is secured to the front diagonal tube of the frame of bicycle.
 22. Bicycle according to claim 20, characterised in that the housing of the electronic control unit is secured to the housing of the bicycle crank axle. 